Ok I failed! I thought I can resist some durians till mid season but the temptation was too great to resist. Our friend Dr Roy Ong bought some durians since we have been craving a little lately.
Did the weekend in Ipoh triggered our durian desire? Few of us friends were in Ipoh (Malaysia) on the 28/29 Nov 2015 weekend for other purpose but at the same time, I went hunting for some Malaysian kampung durian from Gopeng. It didn't impress any of us, but it's like drugs, once you start, it's hard to stop. (evil grins).
Note : My next time up north, I'll search for the 'five fingers' (五指果) durian variant.
Sometime after our makan escapade the previous weekend, our friend Alfred started his hunt for durian. Funny, he was more of a 'taster' just few years ago, but this year, he is the 'chaser'. So he did, and he was left disappointed the whole week having eaten on various days. I resist much as I could till the trigger came later in the week.
Roy decided to grab some for a small durian feast on Sunday (6 Dec 2015). He gotten 4 Tekka and 3 Mao San Wang. (walau a TEKKA is a TEKKA la... ... what Green Bamboo, which is just a gimmick name.... not a new variant)
To be honest, we didn't expect much for several reasons, including it being early season, and also due to year end wet weather. Here we go. Tekka on the left, MSW on the right.
One of thehe MSW looks thoroughly disappointing, there were 'black patches', a sign of weaker quality MSW, another looks decently good. But nonetheless, it doesn't stop me from each fruit. The one with 'black patches' lacks character but still palatable, though it was sub-standard.
The Tekka was more yummy (too bad, we were busy feasting, Alfred probably forgotten to take photo of this). BUT here's a point to highlight. Of the 4 tekka we had, 2 were rounder in shape, while 2 were more elongated, which is typical of tekka. Rounder tekka didn't taste as great while the elongated ones taste better.
(ok photo credit to Alfred... paiseh ah, I was a glutton, I eat first, while you takes photographs)
Malaysia durian season has just begin. Some durian stalls have begin bringing in durian.
Did you notice any difference in durian quality between mid year and year end durian, from 2 biggest supplying region of West Malaysia, Johor and Pahang?
Mid Year Durian Quality
Mid year being given drier months while year end being wet months. How does it affect durian quality? How does terrain affects quality during these 2 periods?
Many are aware the terrain of Johor being more flay while Pahang being hilly but how many are aware how this affects quality of durian?
Unrealised by many, mid year dry months resulted in dry grounds thus durian are receiving too little water. However, Johor durian is possibly better than Pahang durian mid year due to flat ground being able to retain a little more water than hill slopes.
Year End Durian Quality
Year end on the other hand, with heavy rainfall , could result in 'drowning' durian (no such terms actually, just couldn't find a better word to describe) but due to the slopes in Pahang, the ground is better drained.
Durian trees are not suitable for wet soil. Too much water in the ground does more harm than good. Thus durian trees grown on hill slopes tends to be better than in low grounds (water lodge).
Other Information
Another point unknown to many. Durian needs water too. Mid year is too dry further north. With little rainfall, the durians (hanging on tree) receive insufficient water. Wait! It's not about watering the ground. The fruit itself needs water.
I may be thoroughly wrong here. You should do your own observations. This theory about durian needing water too, were learnt from plantation owner/operator, as well as sellers.
Personal Preference
Thus mid year, I tends to prefer Johor durian while year end Pahang durian appeals more to me.
Prices
Based on observation, mid year durian prices comes down slowly (eg drop gradually over 1 month) while year end durian prices falls rather rapidly (price starts to plunge after about 2 weeks).
A few possible reasons why year end prices falls faster could be due to the year end festive and holiday period plus the rainy season.
Many people tends to go on holidays during year end, thus rather keep their monies for their travel, as well as not wanting to fall sick. Besides, with Christmas and Chinese New Year around the corner, more of our monies are more focus for these festivities.
Rain also has a huge impact on business. When it rains, people want to stay indoor or go home.
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Last point to note. Mid year season if 2015 was a really good season not had in many years (perhaps 2008. I don't expect year end season to be as good.
Enjoy feasting. Prices are rather 'soft' and quality isn't that bad. Time to stock up in the freezer.
Continue...
We didn't indulge in the 2nd fruit, Ganja after finishing Montong. Too full!
It smells nice, but my friend 'warned' it won't be as nice as Montong I had earlier. Chey... I've not even started, but he gave me a show stopper... Never try, never know! Must try!
We were at the Hot Spring when I decided to tuck into this durian. Oh... no knife... nevermind, the motorbike key does the trick too.
The color was pale beige. I wasn't impress. I was looking forward to a darker shade. Now, taste wise, it was indeed not as impressive as the Montong I had earlier in the day. Nonetheless, no regrets. Have to try it still. Couldn't finish the fruit, maybe because the taste was just average?
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I tried the Thai local kampung durian too (but can't find the photo). We saw it at a small make shift stall near the market in town area. The seller only have 4 durians so we just picked 1 to eat for fun. It was impressive! Full bodied taste yet mildly bitter sweet. What a nice way to end the trip.
P/S : Wait... isn't Ganja (malay word) actually Weed? Will I get high eating Ganja?
